Federico Chiesa has insisted he wants to stay at Liverpool after making only his second start for the club. The Italian joined the Reds in an initial £10m deal from Juventus back in August, but has been limited to just nine appearances during his first season at the club because of injury, fitness issues and illness.

Making his return last month after a three-month lay-off, the 27-year-old has made an increasing impact off the bench in recent weeks.

He scored his first goal for Liverpool in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley before playing a part in both goals in the 2-0 away win at Brentford.

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And completing his first 90 minutes for the club on Wednesday night against PSV Eindhoven, he again caught the eye as he played a part in both Reds goals as they fell to a 3-2 defeat.

Ahead of the January transfer window, Chiesa had repeatedly been linked with a return to Italy with reports in his homeland claiming he was homesick and unhappy at Liverpool.

His agent would later come out and dismiss such speculation, insisting his client was happy with the Reds and would finish the season at Anfield.

And now Chiesa has insisted that he wants to be at Liverpool, admitting there’s more to come from him as he eyes up his next opportunity after starting against PSV.

“I have to thank the coach, the staff, for giving me the possibility to play 90 minutes tonight,” he told LFC TV. “For me it was great, because I need it. I needed it for everything.

“Since I joined Liverpool I’ve wanted to prove myself. I couldn’t for many reasons and tonight, getting 90 minutes after a big while, it was great. So I have to thank the coach.

“There’s room for improvement, there’s room to get better and better, and being at the best of my game.

“We have a great team and it’s hard to play, but that’s normal, because I want to be here, I want to play for Liverpool, I want to challenge myself.

“I will be ready for my next opportunity. Again, I want to thank the coach for tonight.”

He continued: “I’m playing with great players, I’m in a great team, we’re so focused on every competition.

“We want to challenge for the title, for the Champions League, for the Carabao Cup, for the FA Cup. There’s a great atmosphere, I’m enjoying myself here.

“Of course I didn’t get the chance to play for many reasons, but this is the first 90 minutes in a while, so I’m just happy tonight, just focused on that and nothing [else].

“I’m enjoying being at the club, because Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world and the fanbase is just amazing. Playing at Anfield gives me shivers.”